FSMTB Statement on the Proposed Revisions to the Interstate Massage Compact

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB®) remains committed to advancing responsible and effective licensure mobility for massage therapists through the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact™).

In mid-2021, FSMTB partnered with Council of State Governments (CSG) and the Defense-State Liaison Office (DSLO) under the US Department of Defense (DoD) to support the mobility of licensed massage therapists through the development of an interstate licensure compact. Together with regulators, professional associations, and members of the massage education and therapeutic community, consensus was reached through a transparent, inclusive process to develop the compact’s model legislation. Public feedback was actively sought for three months and was incorporated to ensure that the final language reflected the balance between the needs of the profession and the states charged with regulating it in the interest of public protection.

Recently, and unbeknown to FSMTB, communication was circulated by CSG and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) suggesting their own revisions to the IMpact model language and inviting participation in their own survey process. This outreach was not endorsed by, nor affiliated with the FSMTB. The FSMTB, through its members (the state regulatory boards), remains the steward and regulatory authority for the Interstate Massage Compact. The model legislation, released in December 2022 following a rigorous 18-month consensus-building process that included AMTA, represents the final vetted compact language. This model has already been enacted by five states, with three more currently advancing legislation and additional states proposing bills for the 2026 legislative session.

Why Reopening the Model is Problematic

It is entirely unnecessary to re-open the IMpact’s model legislation. The model legislation serves as the legal foundation of the compact — the framework that every participating state must pass to join. Once enacted, the compact commission, comprised of representatives from those states, has the authority to develop detailed rules that govern how the compact operates day-to-day.

The items that AMTA is now seeking to change can be addressed in regulatory rules. This distinction matters. The model legislation establishes structure and authority; rulemaking allows for flexibility and adjustment over time. Issues such as education equivalencies, examination history, and other eligibility details are best addressed through the commission’s rulemaking process where they can be evaluated collaboratively and refined as the regulation of massage therapy evolves. Further, the joint letter authored by FMSTB and AMTA towards the end of 2024 illustrates the common understanding that these issues will be addressed through the commission’s rulemaking process.

The circulated revisions raise serious concerns. They:

• Condone undue influence over state regulation by a professional association;
• Transfer decision-making authority from the Compact Commission to statute, undermining regulatory responsiveness and long-term public protection;
• Introduce specific and obsolete examination and education language into statute that conflicts with national compact and legislative drafting best practices;
• Introduce specific education standard language that limits access to the multi-state license; and
• Allow for the human trafficking entities to further hijack the massage therapy profession.

Progress and Context

Some have characterized the pace of adoption as slow. In reality, the IMpact’s development and legislative progress reflects the thoughtful deliberation required to ensure public protection and uniformity through a transparent process. Change — even when it is change for good — is not easy, and understanding takes time.

In addition, while AMTA was part of the consensual agreement and supported the model compact language, they subsequently moved to an oppositional position, then to one of neutrality. The LMTs, all of whom stand to benefit from the OPTION of a multistate license, are overwhelmingly supportive, as are industry employers and those who support quality assurance for massage therapy consumers. Arguably, without the internal industry flip-flopping, the Compact Commission would already be functioning.

FSMTB’s Ongoing Commitment

The FSMTB believes that reopening the model language jeopardizes the integrity, consistency, and progress of the IMpact by forcing states that have already enacted the model to restart the legislative process. The current model safeguards public protection, maintains professional standards, and prevents misuse within the compact system.

The FSMTB remains unwavering in its commitment to:

• Ensuring public protection and regulatory integrity through intellectual honesty and advocacy;
• Supporting state regulatory leaders in effective governance;
• Promoting uniformity and maintaining a durable interstate compact; and
• Advancing professional mobility for qualified licensed massage therapists.

The FSMTB will continue to share updates as developments occur and encourages all stakeholders to stay informed and engaged. The FSMTB implores you to oppose these unnecessary and irresponsible changes that will increase public risk and inevitably delay adoption of the IMpact. The FSMTB values feedback from the profession. To share your perspective, please participate in the IMpact Survey of the Profession at massagecompact.org.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in strengthening massage therapy regulation and licensure mobility that supports integrity and credibility for the profession.

IMpact Proposed Revisions Analysis and Recommendations

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)

The mission of the Federation is to support its Member Boards in their work to ensure that the practice of massage therapy is provided to the public safely and competently.